If you are planning your next tour to Sri Lanka, then don’t forget to include Puttalam in your itinerary. Located near the capital city of Colombo; this place is home to countless major tourist attractions of the island nation. In addition, this area is famous for energy production, salt production, coconut production, and fishing activities amongst others.
Being home to one of the largest lagoons in the country, Puttalam is also explored for the activities like dolphin watching, carol watching, and sand dunes et al. Scenic beauty, calm beaches, and presence of a variety of popular restaurants in this region keep promoting Puttalam Tourism to a greater extent.
Being a sought-after tourist attraction in the region, you can involve yourself in many things to do in Puttalam. Popular tourist destinations near this place are Wilpattu National Park, Kalpitiya and sandy beaches to natural resources amongst others. This area is also famous for fine-dine restaurants, great culture, and local traditions. The inhabitants of this area are extremely kind towards the tourists.
You might be one of those willing to see the dolphins dancing. There are several such places in this region where dolphins usually jostle and play in the waters and visitors enjoy watching their activities. The beaches here are known for their spectacular and panoramic view of the Blue Ocean and golden sand.
10 Popular Things To Do in Puttalam
Puttalam in Sri Lanka is a city worth visiting, owing to its scenic beauty, food varieties, lively people, and prime attractions such as Kalpitiya Diving Center, Margarita Kite School, Munneswaram Hindu temple, and St. Anne’s Church to name a few.
Here are some of the best things to do in Puttalam, Sri Lanka to have a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
1. Kalpitiya Diving Center
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Kalpitiya is one of the largest lagoons of Sri Lanka, located in country’s Puttalam district. This lagoon consists of 14 islands and has the total area of 16.73km. Being home to such a large lagoon, it has become a leading dry-fish producer in the area.
The water bodies of this area have several varieties of bar reefs, flat coastal plains, saltpans, mangroves, salt marshes, and massive sand dunes et al. The coral reefs of this region serve as the ideal place for the professional scuba divers and snorkelers.
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2. Margarita Kite School
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If you are planning your Sri Lanka tour to make it an opportunity to learn and delve into kitesurfing activities, then Puttalam would definitely prove to be the best destination for you. One of the popular kitesurfing schools in Kalpitiya, Margarita Kite School is located in the Margarita village. It serves as the best kitesurfing school in Kalpitiya today.
Professional and skilled trainers have been involved to train the learners. They are equipped with the latest equipment to ascertain that tourists learn such skills without any hassle and in a safe, secure, and friendly environment. This is one of those activities to do Puttalam that you certainly shouldn’t miss out!
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3. Munneswaram Hindu Temple
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Munneswaram Hindu Temple is one of the most popular regional Hindu temples in Puttalam, Sri Lanka. Opened for the devotees since 1000 CE, it is believed to be associated with the Indian epic of Ramayana and Lord Ram. Located in famous Munneswaram area, this temple is considered to be one of the five ancient temples that are dedicated to Shiva in the region.
Almost all major Hindu festivals are celebrated here with pomp and show. You can plan your visit during the festival time to see its charm, beauty, and decoration.
4. St. Anne’s Church
While planning your Sri Lanka tour itinerary, you must add St. Anne’s Church visit to it. It is a great place to visit with family and friends. People of all faiths visit here to have a look on its architectural beauty. Tourists participate in the joint prayers and take part in the various activities, including bathing in the sea.
As the water bodies here are exceedingly rich in the biodiversity and are home to an incredible variety of the tropical fishes in the nearby sea area, visitors can witness the presence of the great sightings of manta rays, reef sharks, and sea turtles amongst others. The church rooms are lovely and offer all the required facilities for the pilgrimage purpose.
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5. Alankuda Beach
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Do you love watersports? If yes, then a visit to this beach is a must if you are looking for water activities in Puttalam! Some popular water-sports activities in this area include snorkeling, white water rafting, deep sea fishing, scuba diving, windsurfing and kayaking. Less than an hour away from Puttalam, Alankuda Beach is a great option for such activities.
You can also involve in the activities like wakeboarding, seaplane ride, canoeing, and water skiing to name a few. This beach in the Kalpitiya peninsula is also popular for other activities like off-shore Whale and Dolphin watching.
6. Hatthikuchchi Viharaya
The name 'Haththikuchchi' is a Pali word which means “Elephant Stomach.” This name is symbolic and had been used due to the presence of the large rock inside this temple which resembles like an elephant. Built by the ancient King Devanampiyatissa (307–267 BC), it is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Sri Lanka.
Covered with lush green forests, this temple could be the perfect destination for a family day out.
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7. Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary
Situated in Puttalam, Sri Lanka, the famous Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary is a prominent landmark for the locals as well as tourists. Its proximity to three vastly different ecosystems such as the coast, the mangroves, and the fresh water tanks make it a perfect place to explore.
These ecosystems make this area one of the six RAMSAR Wetlands in Sri Lanka, thus an ultimate place to visit. This unique and exclusive ecological setting has made this area preferred nesting and breeding ground for numerous types of the species of birds that appeal to the bird lovers.
8. Puttalam Station
Having been opened officially on May 12, 1926 by the colonial rulers of Sri Lanka, the Puttalam Station, is today, a state-run railway operator. It has equally earned the name of a popular tourist destination today. Apart from being situated among the scenic beauty, this station has emerged into a famous picnic spot for tourists as well.
Its nearby locations are always filled with famous restaurants and eateries. They serve delicious dishes at affordable price ranges. In addition to that, you can avail the train services during your round trips for wonderful Sri Lankan exploration. It has the better connectivity than the other parts of the country.
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9. Yapahuwa
Yapahuwa is one of the nearest tourist attractions of Puttalam. It is popular for its ruins and historic monuments. Used to serve as a royal residence in 13th century, Yapahuwa had got success to preserve some interesting remains of the past. One of the interesting remains of the past here is an ornamental stairway. You can plan your visit to the Yapahuwa ancient fortress as well.
Located in Kurunegala, the ancient fortress had been built by the King Buwanekabahu. All such tourist attractions in Yapahuwa will keep you engaged for the whole day.
10. Chilaw
Just a few kilometers from the south of Puttalam area, Chilaw is a tiny city of Sri Lanka where visitors of various backgrounds, religions, and traditions live together in utmost harmony. They maintain peace and thus welcome tourists with utmost hospitality.
The beach here attracts tourists from across the globe. Its beach is calm and tranquil thus allows the visitors to lie back in complete peaceful environment, relax, and swim at ease. You can also explore the fishing villages to discover the catch of the day during your explorations.
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Although there are several things to do in Puttalam that you can involve yourself in to infuse greater vibe and energy in your trip to Sri Lanka, selecting them can be a task, which we have tried to resolve for you through the list provided above! A few of these activities are free while many others are paid too. Being a tourist, you should plan your itinerary as per your preference for the maximum use of your time and resources.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Puttalam
What is there to do in Puttalam?
Some of the best things to do in Puttalam are diving, kite flying, spotting wildlife, seeking prayers at the famous temples and more.
What is Puttalam famous for?
Puttalam is a small town in Sri Lanka. It is known for its coconut production, fishing and offers one of the biggest lagoons in Sri Lanka.
What is the best time to visit Puttalam?
The best time to visit the beautiful city of Puttalam is from December to March. During this time, the weather is perfect to step out and explore the beauty of the city.
Where can I stay in Puttalam?
Some of the best hotels in Puttalam are Wilpattu nature resort, Ocean wind beach resort, Bar reef resort and more.
How many days are sufficient for Puttalam?
If you are visiting Puttalam and wondering how many days should you plan for it, then it takes 2 days. 2 days are enough for exploring it completely.
Is Puttalam safe for tourists?
Yes, Puttalam is very safe for tourists. It has very low crime rate and you can go out at night as well.
How to reach Puttalam?
The nearest airport to Puttalam is Bandaranaike international airport. It is located at a distance of 108 km. Once you reach the airport, you can take a cab to reach the city center.
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